Saving Gace

I woke up smiling. That was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in who knows how long. I stretched and rolled out of bed ready to take on the world. I was actually looking forward to school- something that hasn’t happened since we moved here. I took a quick shower and got ready. I threw on my ripped black skinny jeans, a flowy floral shirt, and my white converse. I applied my makeup and decided to straighten my hair today since I had time to kill. By the time I finished, I realized that I still had a while until I was leaving for school.

Harry was the reason for the excitement I felt today- I can’t lie. I was used to, and completely okay with, keeping to myself like always, but Harry really seemed like he wanted to be friends. Sure, I had always had a small crush o him since we first moved in, but he would never like me like that. And I was okay with that-I had accepted that. It was probably for the best, really. I had a lot of baggage- like A LOT. Honestly, I was just glad for his friendship. If he really wanted to be friends, then I wasn’t going to fight it.

I went to the kitchen and poured myself a bowl of cereal. Eventually my thoughts drifted back to the upcoming day. I was excited to talk to Harry. I spent so much time by myself that I barely talked anymore. And as socially awkward as I am, it felt really good to finally have someone to talk to. That’s probably why I couldn’t stop talking last night. I kept talking, sharing more that I normally would have. It was like I was compelled to keep talking. Talking with him felt safe- like I could trust him.

A light knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I checked my phone. Crap. I had completely lost track of time. This was when I normally leave for school. I tossed my dishes in the sink and ran to the door.

“Oh! Harry, I’m so sorry,” I began.

An adorable grin spread across his face. “Hey! Are you ready to go?”

“Almost. I, uhmm… I just need to brush my teeth really fast. Is that-“

“Hey, no worries,” he stopped me with a friendly wave of the hand. “We have plenty of time. Go ahead. Take your time,” he finished with a chuckle.

His laugh was a beautiful sound. Just as beautiful as his voice- almost as beautiful as his eyes. I forced myself to snap out of it. “Thanks… do you want to wait inside? I’ll be quick, I promise,” I rambled.

“Sure. That would be lovely. Thank you,” he said with a smile.

He was such a gentleman- always so polite. I ran up the stairs, almost tripping on my way up. I quickly brushed my teeth, grabbed my backpack and headed for the door. Harry stood patiently by the front odor, never once seeming rushed or annoyed.

“Ready?” he smiled.

“Ready.”

We walked outside and I locked the front door before continuing on toward his car. Here we go. Finally, what I had been looking forward to all morning. I wondered if Harry would sit next to me in English again. Probably not I thought to myself. I didn’t even talk to him last time, and I’m sure he would much rather sit by his friends.

“So,” Harry spoke as we turned off out street, “how was your night?”

“It was good!” I couldn’t help but smile. “How was yours?”

“Really good,” he replied. “I actually woke up rested and ready to start the day,” he said with a laugh. “Funny, isn’t it? Waking up ready to go to school?”

“Hmm,” I replied, still smiling. So I wasn’t the only one.

“What?” he glanced at me questioningly.

“Nothing,” I shrugged. “I just thought it was funny because I did too.” I looked out the window feeling a little self-conscious. I couldn’t help but wonder if he felt that way for the same reason I did. Again, probably not.

Hmm,” Harry’s voice pulled me back into the car. “That is funny,” he paused, “what has you so excited for the day?” he glanced my way as he finished the question.

“Oh nothing really,” I lied. “Just in a good mood and ready to go, I guess,” I looked down at my lap, blushing furiously, hoping with everything in me that he didn’t see. “So what about you? Why’re you so excited?” I asked, trying to get the attention off me.

It was Harry who blushed this time- his cheeks not quite as red as mine, but still a light shade of pink that did not go unnoticed. “Just excited to see everyone, I guess,” he said as he flashed a cheeky smile.

Was it me or was Harry Styles flirting with me? I must be losing in. Luckily, we were pulling into the lot of the school, so I could no longer embarrass myself. We started walking to the school when someone called out for Harry. We both stopped.

“Oi, Harry!” Niall came running after us.

“Uhmm, I can go.” Harry looked at me confused. “You know, so you can walk with your friends,” I spoke, almost inaudible. I was looking down nervously again- trying to avoid eye contact.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he spoke sincerer than ever. I looked up at him, afraid to meet his gaze. His face was friendly and his eyes warm and welcoming. “We want you to stay. You’re my friend too, right?”

I couldn’t help but blush again. He looked so innocent and his voice was hopeful. I tried my best at a convincing smile, “of course I am.”

He smiled in response as Niall finally reached us. “Hey, Niall mate. How’s it going?” he asked as they gave a friendly side hug.

“Good, mate!” he answered. Niall turned to face me now. Oh no. “You must be Adley. I’m Niall,” he said as he flashed me a warm smile. He seemed very genuine and probably the friendliest person I’d ever met.

“Uhmm yeah. It’s nice to meet you, Niall,” I said while returning a smile.

Harry and Niall did all the talking, but I didn’t mind. Honestly, I could listen to them talk forever. No matter how long I’m here, I can’t seem to get over the accents. Though, Niall’s was different, I still enjoyed listening to him talk. They were talking about football now, or as I always called it- soccer- when we reached my class. Harry and Niall both stopped when I did, as if they always knew this was where my first class was.

“See you later,” I waved as I started to turn toward the door.

“See you in English,” harry simply replied.

“Yeah, see you then, Adley,” Niall added. It was so funny to me how friendly he was. You would never know that we had just met a few minutes ago.

“Thanks again for the ride, Harry,” I added.

He flashed me his dazzlingly white smile. “Like I said, I’m happy to do it.”

I returned a smile and turned to head into class while Harry and Niall walked off toward their class. I stole one last glance over my shoulder and caught Niall nudging Harry while raiding and eyebrow at him. I wonder what all that was about?

The first three classes passed in slow motion as I eagerly anticipated going to English. The bell finally rang signaling the end of third hour maths. I grabbed my things and practically bounced as I walked down the hall to English. I was one of the first people in there as I took my usual seat. I heard the loud and contagious laugh that I had heard this morning form my new acquaintance and I was sure without looking, that their whole group was here.

“Oi oi! Adley!” Niall called out while rushing over and taking the seat on my right.

Harry was right behind Niall and claimed the seat on my left. “Hey, Adley,” he passed with a warm smile. “How was your morning?”

“Good,” I said with a smile. “How was yours?” I couldn’t stop smiling. I just felt so happy.

“Good! I’m sure it’ll be more fun now that all my friends are together, right?” he smiled that same cheeky smile form before.

I giggled, “right. Of course.”

“Niall, stop it! You’re going to scare the poor girl away,” Louis called out with a laugh. I looked in his direction. He came walking over with Liam. “Hello, darling. I’m Louis,” he said and went straight for a hug. “This is Liam,” he said motioning toward him. Liam gave a small wave as he said hello.

“Hey! It’s nice to meet you! I’m Adley,” I said shyly. This was more social interaction than I’d had in the last year.

Louis laughed, “We know who you are, darling.” I blushed, embarrassed and curious as to why they knew me- a nobody. Harry slapped Louis’ arm playfully as he shot him a warning look. “Ow ow, okay,” Louis said as he rubbed his arm. That was weird I thought to myself.

Class started and no one really talked during it. I was slightly relieved at that. Though, I had to admit, it felt good to have some friends around. Well, Harry and his friends- I don’t know that they would all consider me their friends since we just met. However they saw it, I enjoyed their company.

Class ended and everyone stood and gathered their things. All the boys began talking and I prepared to leave and go to my next class. Harry turned to face me and stopped me dead in my tracks. “So I have a question…” he paused just starting at me.

“yes?” I prompted him to continue.

“I know it’s last minute, and you might already have plans,” he began rambling, “but some friends are getting together…” he trailed off. “I uhmm, I didn’t know if you wanted to come?” he was starting at the floor and nervously rubbing the back of his neck again. “You know, if you don’t already have plans.” His face was beet red now.

“Oh… That’s really very nice,” I was the nervous one now, “but I don’t want to ruin the fun…” I trailed off. “I would hate to ruin your guys’ plans-“

“Oh stop that!” Niall cut me off this time. I was so embarrassed. I didn’t know they were all listening.

“Yeah, it’ll be fun. I promise,” Liam added.

“Our friend Perrie is coming- you’ll love her. My little sister, Lottie, is coming too. Come on, Adley…” Louis smiled as he teased me.

“Uhmm, okay. Yeah. That uhmm… That sounds great,” I finally managed to spit out.

“Great! We’re all going to Haz’s place after school,” Niall said excitedly.

“Uhmm who?” I asked.

They all laughed. I felt dumb- like I had missed out on something so obvious. “My house,” Harry chuckled.

“Yeah, sorry. It’s a habit. Sometimes I forget not everybody knows that,” Niall shrugged.

I looked at Harry questioningly. He blushed, “It’s an old nickname,” he said trying to sound casual. “I’ll wait for you after school to drive home,” he added.

“Okay. That would be great,” I smiled. “I’d better go before I’m late for class. I’ll see you guys later,” I said with a wave.

“See you later,” they all called out almost in unison.

The rest of the day proved to be just as boring as my morning classes had been. Eventually, the final bell rand I grabbed my books and headed to my locker. I put my books away, grabbed what I needed for my homework over the weekend, and shut my locker. “Hey! Ready to go?” I jumped and turned to see Harry quietly laughing. “Sorry. Did I scare you?”

“a little,” I admitted with a laugh. “But yeah, I’m ready whenever you are.”

We waked to his car making small talk about how the rest of the day had been. As we got close to his car I noticed a very beautiful blonde girl leaning against his car. “Harold!” she called out.

He glanced at me. “Perrie,” he told me.

“We’re all going straight over to yours?” she asked.

“Yeah. I’m sure the lads will beat us there.”

“Cool.” She faced me now. “Adley, right? I’m Perrie.”

“Yeah. Nice to meet you.” Why did it feel like everyone already knew me? I had never talked to these people before and they all knew who I was already.

“You coming?” she sounded excited, waiting for my answer.

“Yeah. I’ll be there,” I tried to sound nonchalant. It wasn’t very convincing to be honest.

“Race you there!” She called out as she raced across the lot.

Harry just laughed and shook his head as he climbed in the car. I decided I should send my mum a quick text to let her know I would be out late. ‘Hanging with some friends tonight. I’ll be late.’ She was so clueless. For all she knew, I had never lost my old friends. She probably thought that’s where I was most days after school.

Mum:
Okay. Have fun. Be safe xx

I put my phone back in my bag and prepared myself for what was coming. Harry filled me in on who would be there and assured me it would be fun. He also assured me that I’d love everyone and that everyone was excited I was coming. I wasn’t exactly sure how true that part was but I went with it. Before I knew it, we were pulling in his driveway and all the boys shouted ‘finally’ as if they had been waiting for hours. What had I gotten myself into?

Notes

I promise that the story line gets better! Thank you for being patient with me. Let me know what you think! xx